ABOUT US
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The Pride Winnipeg Festival runs annually and consists of an array of cultural events that celebrate the incredibly diverse community that supports or identifies with the 2SLGBTQ+ community.
We respectfully recognize that Pride Winnipeg takes place on Treaty One Territory; the traditional lands of the Anishinaabeg, Cree, Anisininew, Dakota, and Dene Peoples, and on the homeland of the Red River Métis Nation. We acknowledge that we source our water from Shoal Lake 40 First Nation.
We respect the Treaties that were made on these territories, we acknowledge the harms and mistakes of the past, and we dedicate ourselves to move forward in partnership with Indigenous communities in a spirit of reconciliation and collaboration.
Since 1987, Pride Winnipeg serves the 2SLGBTQ+ community by celebrating our fights, victories, and reasons to be proud.
We have 16 Board Members and 30 Managing Members, who help organize Pride Winnipeg’s year-round activities, and over 200 volunteers on average who help deliver the Pride Week activities.
Average number of hours our volunteers contribute every year to make Pride Winnipeg come to life.
ORGANIZATIONAL PRINCIPLES
Mission
To celebrate and promote the diversity and achievements of our 2SLGBTQ+ communities through inclusive, empowering events and partnerships that advocate for equality, amplification of community voices, collaboration, and education.
Vision
To live in a society in which all 2SLGBTQ+ individuals can live their life without fear or oppression for being themselves.
Values
Diversity, Inclusivity, Safe Spaces, Accessibility, Sustainability.
HISTORY
On August 2, 1987, about 250 people marched in Winnipeg’s first Pride Day. It was a brave step – a tentative venture out of a dark closet that for too long confined the spirits of those who belong to Winnipeg’s 2SLGBTQ+ community. Legally and socially, and in many other ways, the world was still an oppressive and homophobic place. A few people in that first march wore paper bags over their heads to conceal their identities, for fear of discrimination and ridicule from friends, family members, and co-workers.
1980sIn the 90s, our 2SLGBTQ+ community faced many obstacles - but the fight continued. Pride Winnipeg started to grow and attract more attention from the media, community members, and allies. The Pride Winnipeg Parade evolved, and the Festival took place in Memorial Park.
1990sThousands started to attend the Pride Winnipeg Festival to celebrate our many victories and our diverse community, and to remember that there is so much to be proud of and thankful for. Pride Winnipeg evolved from a one-day event into a 10-day festival filled with pride, confidence, fun, colour, music, laughter, optimism, and activism.
2000sIn 2010, Pride expanded, and the Pride Festival started to take place at The Forks. In 2012, Pride celebrated 25 years. In 2014, Pride Winnipeg was home to the Fierte Canada Pride (FCP), its Annual General Meeting and Conference. In 2018, the Annual March moved back to Portage Avenue. At the end of the decade, Pride evolved from a half-day to a two-day event that sees an average of 35,000 individuals.
2010sThe beginning of the decade also marked the first time since its foundation that Pride Winnipeg did not do any in-person events due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2020 and 2021, the Pride Festival took place virtually. For 2022, Winnipeg was the host city to Fierte Canada Pride - what a great way to celebrate Pride Winnipeg's 35-year anniversary! In 2023, the Pride Winnipeg Festival saw over 90,000+ attendees.
2020sPARTNERSHIPS
The Enchanté Network
The Enchanté Network is a national network connecting and supporting over 200 pride centres and 2SLGBTQI+ service providers across Canada; supporting members in their work to grow their organizational capacity so they can make greater impacts in their communities through effectively delivering services and supports.
Fierté Canada Pride
Fierté Canada Pride is a Canadian not-for-profit incorporated organization, dedicated to the networking, support and expansion of Pride events throughout Canada. This organization will bring together Pride groups from across our country allowing them to speak with one strong voice for arts and cultural funding, government initiatives, and equal rights issues.
InterPride
InterPride is an international Association of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Pride Coordinators. Pride Winnipeg Festival Inc. joined InterPride in 2003 when they attended the international conference in Montréal.
These events have connected Winnipeg with Pride organizations around the world and have inspired great ideas on organizing this complicated, but rewarding celebration.
Pride Winnipeg has continued to attend Canadian Region 7 conferences as well as the International conference when possible. Winnipeg was proud to host the last Canadian Region 7 Conference in 2005 .